What is Happiness?
Here is a discussion of the “evolutionary-cybernetic” interpretation, which centers on control.
Happiness can therefore be seen as an indication that a person is biologically fit (near to the optimal state) and cognitively in control (capable of counteracting eventual deviations from that optimal state), in other words that he or she can satisfy all basic needs, in spite of possible perturbations from the environment.
This strikes me as similar to Ayn Rand’s idea that happiness is an indicator of life-success. The difference is the evolutionary component. Inclusive fitness often requires the sacrifice of self-interest.
What does the Supreme Court think about happiness? I don’t know. But here is the entry on happiness in the Catholic encyclopedia.
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I agree with this one, though personally I need to be biologically fit, cognitively in control, and a cup of coffee.
Caffiene dependence is an interesting tradeoff.
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Color me suprised and impressed by NewAdvent’s take on happiness!
Of course people who have had more philosophy than I can tell me where the site goes wrong, but as a layman to philosophy that was concise and pretty good discussion of what happiness is to various schools of thought (at least in arguementing from the Catholic position at least).
After seeing that, I’m ashamed as a Catholic that I didn’t know about that site. Make your own conclusions about my ignorance
Will,
you never answered my question as to how you would argue to those hostile/very ambivalent to religion about the why social insurance would be better than government insurance. This is not a simple topic, I know, so take your time.
Also, if you don’t mind me asking, what is your religious preference?
Frank, I’m a non-believer, but I was raised in the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (now the Community of Christ.)
I’m not sure how best to argue with people who are just plain hostile to religion. But, often, folks on the left have a communitarian streak, and also a statist streak. It can be useful to show them that these are in tension, and that if you want a big state, the price can community disintegration. Maybe you could ask them if they really think it’s worth it.